Page 80 of Road Trip to the Riviera
She nods. ‘Still doing your epic adventure?’ she asks, but her tone isn’t sarcastic. She sounds genuinely interested.
I shrug. ‘I don’t think so. Might do a stopover on the way. But I need to get back.’
We walk slowly towards the door together, our shadows stretching ahead of us across the drive. ‘You know, I thought about what you said,’ Vivian tells me. ‘About communicating. I spoke to Sarah. Reallyspoketo her.’
‘That’s great.’ I’m genuinely surprised that she’s taken my advice on board.
‘Thank you,’ she says. ‘I mean that.’
I give a slight nod, unsure of what to say.
‘And the other thing. You know. About our being family,’ she adds, turning towards me and pausing before she takes the step to the front door. ‘You’re right, of course. We are connected. I never thought about it like that before.’
‘Yeah, sorry about that,’ I joke.
‘What do you mean?’
‘I’m probably the last person you want to be connected to.’
She shakes her head. ‘Now Hal, don’t do yourself a disservice. Oh, I know I haven’t perhaps been your biggest fan over the years… but a woman can change her mind, can’t she?’ She puts a hand on my upper arm. ‘You’re a good fellow, you know. I’m sorry I didn’t see that before.’
I feel my face get hot and I’m not sure whether it’s panic or embarrassment. ‘Thanks.’
‘I’ve told Sarah she could do worse!’
‘Oh. You shouldn’t have?—’
‘Now, Hal. Don’t tell me you aren’t a little bit sweet on her still. I’ve seen you two together.’ She walks into the hall, holds the door open for me.
‘No. I’m… we’re just friends, Vivian. And that’s fine. It’s good, actually.’
She raises an eyebrow. ‘Just friends, eh?’
‘Yes,’ I say, my voice sounding more resolved than I feel. ‘Listen, Vivian. I’m not saying it hasn’t crossed my mind. But it seems as if Peter’s a good bloke. He seems to really care about her.’
‘Do you think?’
‘Yes. I mean, I’m not saying I don’t like… love Sarah. But I think I’ve proved over the years that I’m not really up to the task of being with her. Sarah deserves someone who can read her. Who understands what she needs. And I’m no good at that.’
‘Oh, Hal. You do fine.’
‘Thanks. But really. I show up when I’m asked. But she’s got someone who goes above and beyond. And I can’t compete with that. Or, well, I don’t want to. Because Sarah deserves a better man than me.’
‘Oh bollocks, Hal.’
It’s such a surprise to hear Vivian swear that I stop in my tracks. ‘Sorry?’
‘Well. I’m sorry but there really isn’t any other word for it.’
‘There isn’t?’
‘Peter has been a good business partner from what I understand, but he’s nothing more.’
‘He’s… no, you’re wrong. I spoke to him. They’re dating, at least.’
‘Well, it’s the first I’ve heard of it.’
I flush. ‘Oh, shit. Maybe I wasn’t meant to tell you… I…’
